N.D. Cent. Code § 38-09-21

All oil and gas mining leases made and executed prior to March 13, 1951, by the Bank of North Dakota, through its president, as agent for the state treasurer, as trustee for the state of North Dakota on lands or mineral interests acquired by the state treasurer, as trustee for the state of North Dakota, except such leases as have been released or have expired or have been forfeited, are hereby validated, and said leases are hereby confirmed and declared to be fully effective and operative to vest in the lessees of said leases, their successors or assigns, all of the estates, rights, titles, privileges, and interest therein set forth.